Scraper



Aug. 19, 1941. H. c. FRENCH SCRAPER Filed April 18, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l ,wmmmw ATTORNEY Aug. 19, 1941. H. c. FRENCH SCRAPER Filed April 18, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WWW ATTORNEY- Aug. 19, 1941. H. c. FRENCH scRAPER Filed April 18, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet I5 Patented Aug. 19, 1941 SCRAPER Henry 0. French, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to The Hell 00., Milwaukee, Win a corporation of Wisconsin Application April 18, 1940, Serial No. 330,255

19 Claims.

My invention relates in general to improvements in the art of handling material in bulk,

and relates more specifically to various improvements in the construction and operation of self powered scraper units for digging. transporting and spreading earth or the like.

Generally defined, an object of my inventio is to provide an improved self-powered scraper unit which is simple, compact and durable in construction, and which is also highly flexible and efiicient in operation.

It has heretofore been common commercial practice in the dirt moving and grading industry,

to transport scraping assemblages along the ground by attaching an ordinary t'ractorthereto.

Whilethis arrangement is quite satisfactory, the procedure requires provision of independent tractor and scraper units, which when connected in tandem also makes it difiicult for the tractor operator to carefully observe the operation of the, 1

trailing scraper unit. The prior duplex or trailer assemblages also necessitated transportation of the relatively heavy tractor unit in advanceof the scraping and load carrying unit; and this prior arrangement furthermore required the proing: relatively small capacity, because of undesirable complications and relatively the assemblages.

It is therefore a more specific object of the present invention to provide an improved selfpropelled dig and carry scraper assemblage which can be economically manufactured in various high cost of sizes and with various capacities, and wherein the operator can readily manipulate both the tractor and scraper controls and has a clear view of the important parts and operating conditions at all times. I

Another specific object of my invention'is to provide a simplified self-powered scraper unit in which the relatively movable scraper parts are hydraulically operated, and wherein the propelling mechanism and relatively heavy parts trail the scraper and load carrying bowl.

Still another specific object of this invention is to provide an extremely durable and conveniently manipulable scraping and charge carrying assemblage, which is adapted to quickly load and unload while effectively confining the material during rapid transportation thereof.

A further specific object of the invention is to provide various improvements in the construction and operation of power actuated scraper units, whereby such devices may be most economically manufactured, manipulated and operated.

These and other specific objects and advantages of my present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description."

A clear conception of the several features constituting the present improvement, and of the mode of constructing and of operating a selfpowered scraper unit embodying the invention, may be had by referring to the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification in which like reference characters designate the sameor similar'parts in the various views.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary top view of one of the improved self-propelled hydraulically actuated scraper units, showing the scraper bowlin load carrying position and with the front apronlowcred;

Fig. 2 is a part sectional side elevation of the unit shown in Fig.1, with the bowl loaded and elevated, and the front apron'lowered;

Fig. 3 is a similar side elevation of the same scraper unit, with the bowl still elevatedv but with the front apron elevated and the rear gate moved forwardly;

Fig. 4 is another similar side elevation of the scraper unit, with the scraper blade in scraping or loading position and the front apron partially raised;

Fig. 5 is a front and side perspective view of the improved scraper unit with the bowl elevated and the front apron lowered;

Fig. 6 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the power transmitting medial 'por-g tion of the self-powered scraper unit; and

Fig. "7 is a likewise enlarged fragmentary top view of the front steering portion of the improved unit.

While the invention has been embodied in a gasoline engine driven. self-propelled dig and .main rear frame I Ii transportably supported at its medial portion -upon rather large driving wheels II bymeans of a driving axle I2, and hav-' ing a driver's seat I3 mounted thereon above the I able clutch I5 and transmission gearing I1 housedv within a casing I3 beneath the seat I3: a load 5 in the casing I5 is of relatively conventional construction and is controllable by means of a shift confining bowl formed'integral with the frame I0 forwardly of the axle I2 and'seat I3, and having rigid opposite parallel side walls I3 firmly and" .permanently interconnected at their upper rear and front portions respectively, by means of transverse box-beams 23, 2i, and at their lowermost rear portions by means of a fixed 'bottom 22 having a cutting or scraper blade 23 at the foremost edge thereof an auxiliary front frame 24, transportably supported upon relatively small steering wheels 25 by means of swingable stub axles 25,. and having apair of laterally spaced rigid rearwardly extendingiside arms 21 pivotally connected at their rear ends, to the bowl side plates or walls I3, by means of alined pivot pins 23; ahydraulic hoist or Jack having a cylinder 23 supported by trunnion pins from the front frame 24, and also having a piston 3I movable in the cylinder 23 and connected to integral ears 32 on the front bowl beam 2I by means of a pivot pin 33 a rear end gate 34 movable supported upon the bowl bottom 22 between the walls I3 by means of rollers 35,.and having rearwardly projecting integral cars connected by alined pivot pins 31 with a pair of levers 33 swingably suspended from the scraper bowl by means of a suspension pin 33; a pair of hydraulic hoists or Jacks each having a cylinder 43 supported by pivot trunnions H from the main frame I3, and a piston 42 movable in its cylinder 43 and articulably connected to the ears 43 on the rear lower portion of the end gate 34, by means of a pin 44; a front apron 45 cooperable with the cutting blade 23 to confine material 45 within the bowl and having side arms 41 swingably suspended from the bowl side walls I3 by alined pins 43, the medial portion of the apron 45 having thereon ears 43 which are connected by a pin 53 and slotted links 5| to the rear end of a lever assemblage 52 the opposite or front end of which is connected by another pin 53 to the cars 32; another hydraulic hoist or jack having a cylinder 54 swingably suspended by trunnions 1 .or pins 55 from the ears 32, and also having a piston 55 connected to the medial portion of the lever assembly 52 by means of a pin 51; a hydraulic'system for supplying liquid under pressure'to the jacks; and gear shift mechanisms for .the tractor and lacks associated with the assemblage near the driver's seat I3.

' The rear frame I0 and the load confining bowl including the side walls- I3 and bottom 22, are

rigidly interconnected to provide'a sturdy unitary assemblage which is bodily tiltable about the rear driving axle I2 whenever the frames I0, 24 are relatively articulated about the pivot pins 23, but the bowl cannot swing or move laterally relative to the main frame III. The motor or engine I4 is of relatively standard construction being sup-. plied with' fuel from a supply tank 53, disposed in back of the operators 'seat I3, and the weight of within the cylinder 53.

- escapes I located forwardly of the axle I2. The power the engine I4 besides resilient bumper or abutment 52 which serves as apositive stop for limiting the rearward travel of the end gate 34, see Fig. 8.

The front frame 24 which is tiltably suspended from the steering wheels 25 by means of the .swingable stub axles 25, projects forwardly beyond these wheels and is provided. with a front .bumper 53 adapted for engagement with another implement. The integral side arms 21 of the front frame 24, extend along and closely adjacent to the outer sides of the walls I3, so that the bowl may be raised and lowered without interference,

and obstruction to the operator's view of the in-' terior of the bowl is entirely avoided. While the front frame 24 is adapted to swing vertically with respect to the rear frame I3 about the pivot pins 23, these frames 24, I3 cannot swing or move laterally with respect to each other; and the transverse bowl beams 23, 2I serve to reenforce the side walls I3 and to maintain them properly positioned between the arms 21.

The stub axles 25 upon which the front steering wheels 25 are Journalled, are swingably suspended from the front frame 24 by means of pivot pins 54, and are provided with rearwardly extending levers 55 the corresponding ends of h which are secured to the opposite ends of a rod 55 by pins 51, see Fig. 7. The rod 55 extends centrally-through a horizontal cylinder 53 fixedly secured to the frame 24, and a piston 53 secured to the medial portion of the rod 55 .isslidable The cylinder 55 has end ducts 13 which also communicate with the opposite ends of a cylinder 1I mounted upon the main frame I3 near the driver's seat I3, and the cylinder H has therein a piston movable along the cylinder by means of a screw carried :by the steering column 13 having the steering wheel 14 associated therewith. This steering assemblage is such that when the steering wheel 14 is rotated in either direction, it

' stantly filledwith liquid, the movement of the piston 12 will cause a corresponding displacement of the piston 59 within its cylinder 55 in predetermined directions, thereby. causing the .wheels 25 to swing in selected directions. The

the engine and its support approximately counterbalance the weight of the bowl and the portions ofthe frame I0 and transmission mechanism piston confining and steering wheel supporting cylinder H is suspended from the rear transverse beam 23 of the bowl near theope'rators seat I3, by means of a pivot pin 15, and carries a clamping bolt 15 which is cooperable with a slot 11 so that the steering wheel 14 may be placed in various positions of adjustment for best view of the scraperbowl, and the ducts 10 may be confined within one of the hollow arms transporting wheels II, 25 are provided with the usual brake mechanisms which are also manip- 12 which is '21. The

ulable from the driver's seat I, and while the smallest front steering wheels 2! advance upon and at the extreme opposite sides of the undisturbed ground, the larger rear wheels ll travel within the out, see Fig. 4.

.The bowl bottom 22 which is rigidly secured to the lower. extremities ofthe walls II, has its rearcentral portion 18 removed so as to permit material which passes the end gate 34 to fall freely to the ground; and the scraper blade 21 which is detachably secured to the front of the bowl bottom 22, comprises a central and two similar opposite side sections, the former of which is somewhat wider than the latter and extends below the cutting edges of thenarrower side sections, see Fig. 1. The front apron 45 is formed to coact with the edges of the blade 23 to close thegap between these elements when the apron is lowered as in Figs. 1 and 2; and the curved side arms 4'! of the apron 45 and a which coact with the pivot pins 48, are swingthe bowl elevated, as in Fig. 2, the material it which is confined within the bowl and within the front apron 46 may be transported to any desired destination. When it becomes desirable to dump the load, the operator may manipulate the proper valves 86 with the aid of the control levers II, to first cause the hydraulic Jack 64 to elevate the apron 48, and to thereafter cause the hori zontal jacks 40 to move the end gate 34 forwardable closely adjacent to the inner surfaces of the side walls IS. The slots II in the links Ii coact with, a pin 80 carried by the lever 52 in such manner that upwardswinging of the pin 80 will raise the apron 45. while the slots 18 will permit this apron to be lifted independentlyof thelever 52 by an obstruction such as a stump or rock, which the front of the apronmay encounter. The rear end gate 14 which is supproximately perpendicular' to the bowl bottom,

whereas the angularity of the gate diminishes as it approaches the cutting blade 23, seeFigs. 2 and 3. The upper part of the end gate 34 is provided with a forwardly inclined guard plate 82 for directing rising material forwardly into the bowl'and thus eliminating spilling, and a hand rail 83 may also be provided for the operator.

The hydraulic system for supplying liquid such a as oil under pressure to the scraper actuating jacks, 40, 54, comprises the pump 59, a liquid supply reservoir 84, a set of independently manipulable valves 85 operable from the driver's seat i3 by means of handles I6, and conduits leading from thevalves 85 to and from the several jacks. As previously indicated, the jack 29 is adapted to'raise and lower the front end of the bowl and to simultaneously raise and lower the scraping blade 12!, while the horizontal Jacks 40 are adapted to move the end gate 34 back and forth, and the, jack 54 is adapted to adjust the front apron relative to the blade 23. The frames 1,24, side walls", bowl bottom 22, end gate 34, and front apron 45 are all preferably formed of relatively heavy metal plate, and it is to be noted that when the operator is stationed near ly to the position shown in Fig. 3. As the end gate 34 moves forwardly, it will tilt relative to the bowl bottom 22, and the entire load of material will eventually be ejected from the bowl, as clearly indicated in Fig. 3. When the load ejecting operation has been completed, the end gate 34 should be returned to the position shown in Figs. 2 and 4, by manipulation of the horizon-' tal jacks 40, whereupon the scraper will be ready for subsequent reloading. The jack 28 may then be operated to lower the bowl and the scraper blade II to the position shown in Fig. 4. The

depth of cut by lowering of the bowl may be the drivers seat l3 within convenient reach of all control levers, he also has an unobstructed view of the steering mechanism and of all of the working parts of the scraper assembly.

During normal operation of the improved self-.

propel: the vehicle either forwardly or rearwardly, and the forward propulsion may beeifected wt gauged by the operator, and when the proper depth of out has been determined, and the blade 23 has entered the ground, reloading of the scraper may be effected by advancing the unit forwardly. As the blade 23 passes through the ground, the lower medial portion thereof will start the cut and this starting will be followed by subsequent entry of the narrower blade sections into the ground. During such loading of the scraper the front apron 45 may be lowered more or less by manipulating the jack i4,and when, sufficient loading has been eflected, the apron 24 may be dropped to againcoact with the blade 23, as in Fig. 2. The loaded bowl may then be elevated by again manipulating the jack 29, to place the assemblage in the position shown in Fig. 2. If

during the loading operation, the frontapron 45 should encounter an obstruction such as a boulder or a stump, this apron may be lifted independently of the Jack 54 by virtue of the lost motion connection provided by the slots 19 and pin 80,

It is also to be noted that when the rear end gate 34 is moved backwardly to its extreme position, it will encounter the abutment l2, and as this rear end gate is moved forwardly it gradually tilts so as to provide an effective discharge angle when it reaches its extreme forward position. It should also be understood that during normal use of the machine, the operator may elevate or lower the bowl to any extent by manipulating the jack 29,

and he may also raise and lower the apron 45 to any desired extent by manipulating the jack 54.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be apparent that my present invention provides an extremely simple, compact and durable selfpropelled scraper assemblage which is readily manipulable by a single operator located near the driver's seat I3, and in which all of the essential elements are constantly visible to the operator.

By adjusting the steering wheel 14 and by utilizing the hand rail 0 on the end gate ,the oper-,

ator may assume aposition wherein he can lean overthe scraping bowl and thus observe all porf tions of the scraping and steering mechanisms. The assemblage isextremely rigid in comtruction by virtue of the integralformation of the bowl with the main rear frame Ill, and the assemblage is furthermore simplified by utilizing the front wheels 25 for steering purposes. The bumpers 6 l 68 at the opposite ends of the machine can be effectively employed for pushing purposes, and

to tilt about said axis, a propelling motor for,

said wheels suspended from said frame-rearwardly of said axis, a scraper bowl rigidly suspended from said frameforwardly of said axis,

an auxiliary frame articulably associated with said main frameforwardly of said axis, steering wheels for the, assemblage supporting said'auxiliary-framefandmeans for relatively swinging said frames to raise and lower said bowl.

5. A self-powered scraper unit comprising. I transporting and .driving elements having a transverse axis, a main frame tiltably supported on said elements, a propelling motor for said elements suspended from said frame rearwardly of said axis, a scraper bowl having spaced side walls formed rigid with said frame and a blade carrying bottom formed rigid with said walls, an auxiliary frame disposed in front of said bowl and or passage of material sould occur, the escaping material will drop through the cut-out portion 18 of the bowl bottom 22. By using hydraulic .jacks. to operate the various elements of the frame forwardly of said axis, an auxiliary frame.

tilt about said axis, a propelling motor for said wheels suspended from said frame rearwardscraper assemblage, the structure is materially simplified and quick action results. The use of these hydraulic jacks is not, however, essential as cable mechanisms might in some cases be employed, and the improved unit has proven. highly satisfactory in actual commercial use and can be most conveniently manipulated by a single attendant.

It should be understood that it is not desired to limit this invention to the exact details of con- ,struction, or to the precise mode of use. for variousmodiflcations within the scope of the claims may occur to persons skilled in the art.

I claim: 1

'1. A self-powered scraper unit comprising,

transporting means having a transverse axis, a'

main frame suspended intermediate its ends to tilt about said axis, a propelling motor for said means carried by said frame rearwardly of said axis,-a scraper bowl rigidly associated with said transportably supported forwardly of said bowl and being articulably connected to said main frame near said axis, and means for relatively swinging said frames to raise and lower said bowl.

2; A self-powered scraper unit comprising, transporting means having a transverse axis, a main frame suspended intermediate its ends to tilt about said axis, a propelling motor for said means carried by said frame rearwardly of said axis, a scraper bowl rigidly associated with said frame forwardlyof said axis, an auxiliary frame transportably supported forwardly of said bowl and being articulably connected to said main frame near said axis, means for relatively swinging said frames to raise and lower said bowl, and

through said auxiliary frame.

, 3. A self-powered scraper unit comprising, a

pair of driving .wheels having a transverse axis, a main frame suspended intermediate its ends to ly of said axis, a scraper bowl rigidlysuspended from said frame forwardly of said axis, an auxiliary frame articulably adjustably associated with said mainframe forwardly of said axis, means for holding said frames in various positions of adjustment, and steering wheels for the assemblage supporting said auxiliary frame.

4. A self-powered scraper unit comprising, a pair of driving wheels having a transverse axis, a main frame suspendedintermediateits ends having rearwardly extending arms pivotally attached to the main frame and bowl assembly to permit relative adjustment of the frames, means for holding the frames in various positions of ad- Justment, and steering elements supporting said auxiliary frame, l

6. A self-powered scraper unit comprising, transporting and driving elements having a transverse axis, a main frame tiltably supported onsaid elements, a propelling motor for said elements suspended from said frame rearwardly of said axis, a scraper bowl having spaced side walls formed rigid with said frame and a blade carrying bottom formed rigid with said walls, an auxiliary frame disposed in front of said bowl and having rearwardly extending arms pivotally attached to the main frame and bowl assembly, steering elements supporting said auxiliary frame, and means .coacting with said auxiliary frame and with the front ends of said side walls for raising and lowering said bowl and blade.

7. In combination, driving wheels having a transverse axis, a main frame tiltably supported by saidwheels, a propelling engine suspended from said frame rearwardly of said axis, a bowl rigidly associated with said frame forwardly of said axis and having'spaced side walls rigidly in terconnected by a blade carrying bottom, an auxiliary frame located forwardly of said bowland being articulably adjustably connected thereto near said axis, means for holding said bowl and auxiliary frame in various positions of adjustmerit, and steering wheels transportably supporting said auxiliary frame.

p 8. In combination, driving wheels having transverse axis, a main frame tiltably supported by said wheels, a propelling engine suspended from said frame rearwardly of saidaxis, a bowl rigidly associated with said frame forwardly of said axis and having spaced side wallsrigidly interconnected by a blade carrying bottom,an

auxiliary frame located forwardly of said bowl and being articulably connected thereto near said axis, steering wheels transportably supporting said auxiliary frame, and lifting means interposed between said auxiliary frame and said bowl for elevating the latter.

9. In combination, driving wheels having a transverse axis, a mainframe tiltably supported by said wheels. a propelling engine suspended from said frame rearwardly of said axis, a bowl rigidly associated with said frame forwardly of said axis and having spaced side walls rigidlyinterconnected by a blade carrying bottom, an end gate movable between said walls forwardly toward said blade, means between said engine and said gate for resiliently limiting the rearward movement of the latter, and steering and supporting means associated with the front end of said bowl.

10. In combination, driving wheels having a transverse axis, a main frame tiltably supported by said wheels, a propelling engine suspended from said frame rearwardly of said axis, a bowl rigidly associated with said frame forwardly of said axis and having spaced side walls rigidly interconnected by a blade carrying bottom, an end gate movable within said bowl and over said bottom, a front apron swingably suspended between said side walls and being cooperable with said blade, and steering and supporting means asso ciated with said bowl and being located forwardly thereof.

11. In combination, driving wheels rotatable about a common axis, a rear frame supported by said wheels and being tiltable about said axis, a propelling motor carried by said frame between said wheels and extending rearwardly of said axis, a load carrying bowl rigidly associated with said frame and having side walls projecting 12. In combination, driving wheels rotatable,

about a common axis, a rear framesupported by said wheels and being tiltable about said axis, a propelling motor carried by said frame between said wheels and extending rearwardly of said axis, a load carrying bowl rigidly associated with said frame and having side walls projecting forwardly of said axis and rigidly connected by a bottom, an end gate movable within said bowl, moving means for said gate located beneath said motor, steering wheels transportably supporting the front end of said bowl, and elevating means interposed between said steering wheels and said bowl for raising the latter.

13. In combination, driving wheels rotatable about a common axis, a rear frame supported by said wheels and being tiltable about said axis, a propelling motor carried by said frame between said wheels and extending rearwardly of said axis, a load carrying bowl rigidly associatedwith said frame and having side walls projecting forwardly of said axis and rigidly connected by a bottom, an end gate movable within said bowl, a hydraulic jack for moving said end gate located beneath said motor. a front frame transportably supporting the front of said bowl and being articulably connected thereto, and elevating means for said bowl coacting with said front frame.

14. In combination, a two wheel supported rear frame, a driving motor for said wheels suspended from said frame and extending rearwardly of the common wheel axis. a bowl rigidly associated directly with said frame forwardly of said axis and having an integral blade supporting bottom, an end gate movable along said bottom, a resilient bumper interposed between said motor and said end gate, and a hydraulic jack for moving said end gate disposed beneath said motor.

15. In combination, a two wheel supported rear frame, a driving motor for said wheels suspended from said frame and extending rearwardly of the common wheel axis, a bowl rigidly associated directly with said frame forwardly of said axis and having an integral blade supporting bottom, an end gate movable along said bottom, a resilient bumper interposed between said motor and said end gate, a hydraulic jack for moving said end gate disposed beneath said motor, and a front steering and bowl elevating frame articulably connected to said bowl.

16. In combination, a pair of coaxial drive wheels, a propelling motor for said wheels having transmission mechanism extending across the common wheel axis, a bowl rigidly associated with said motor and being tiltable therewith about said axis and having spaced side walls and an;i ntegral bottom, a front steering frame articulably connected to said side walls, and means'for rela.-'-

common wheel axis, a bowl rigidly associated with said motor and being tiltable therewith about said axis and having spaced side walls and an integral bottom, a front frame disposed forwardly of said bowl and having rearwardly ex-v tending arms articulably adjustably connected'to 1 1 said walls near said axis, means for holding said frames in various positions of adjustment, and

steering wheels transportably supporting said frame.

18. In combination, a;pair of-1coaxial drive wheels, apropelling 'motor for said. wheels having transmission mechanism'extenfd'ing' across the common wheel'axis, a bowl rigidly associated with said motor and being tiltable therewith about said axis and having spaced sidewalls and anintegral bottom, a front-frame disposed forwardly of said bowl and having rearwardly extending arms articulably adjustably connected to said walls near said axis, steering wheels transportably supporting said frame, and a hydraulic Jack carried by said frame and cooperating with said bowl to elevate the latter.

19. In combination, rear drive wheels, a motor having transmission echanism for propelling said wheels, a bowl rigidly associated with said motor and having an integral bottom, said bowl being tiltable with said motor about the axis of said wheels and said motor and bowl being disposed on opposite sides of said axis, an end gate movable along said bottom by a hydraulic lack located beneath said motor, a front apron swingable toward and away from said bottom by a hydraulic jack carried by said bowl, a front frame transportably supporting the front portion of said bowl, and a hydraulic "jack for elevating said bowl carried by said frame.

HENRY C. FRENCH.

' coaxial 1 l wheels, a propelling motor for said wheels hav ing transmission mechanism extending across the 

